Russia grants asylum to Edward Snowden

Former NSA contractor and whistleblower of U.S electronic surveillance programme Edward Snowden has been granted temporary asylum in Russia and left the transit zone of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for an undisclosed “safe location”.

Mr. Snowden, a former CIA employee and NSA contractor had been stuck at Sheremetyevo Airport since June 23, when he arrived in Moscow on the way from Hong Kong. However, he could not continue his journey as U.S. authorities revoked his passport.

The U.S. has asked Russia to hand over Mr. Snowden for trial on charges for espionage, but has not sent a formal extradition request. President Vladimir Putin has refused to hand him over.

How the temporary asylum granted by Russia to Snowden will protect him?

The Russian temporary asylum to Mr Snowden will protect him from extradition as a person granted temporary asylum cannot be returned against his will to the country of his citizenship or his residence. The asylum status allows Mr. Snowden to live and work in Russia for one year and can be extended indefinitely on a yearly basis.